Transfer News LIVE: Marc Guehi Set for Manchester City Move as Chelsea Cash In

Marc Guehi, Crystal Palace's captain and England international, is on the verge of a £20m transfer to Manchester City amid the club's defensive injury crisis. The 25-year-old centre-back, in the final year of his contract, will undergo a medical on Sunday before signing a five-and-a-half-year deal at the Etihad Stadium. City acted swiftly to secure him mid-season, avoiding a free-agent scramble in summer and competition from rivals like Liverpool, who nearly signed him for £35m last year.[1][2][4]

Palace head coach Oliver Glasner confirmed Guehi is in the "final stages" of his move and will miss their match against Sunderland. Glasner, who announced his own summer departure, fumed at the timing, calling it a "double blow" after Eberechi Eze's earlier sale to Arsenal. He lamented: "Selling our captain one day before a game... If your heart gets torn out twice a year."[2][4]

Chelsea's Windfall from Sell-On Clause

Chelsea emerge as surprise winners, poised to pocket around £4m (20% sell-on clause) from Guehi's exit—four years after selling him to Palace for a nominal fee following his academy days and Swansea loan. The Blues, now led by head coach Liam Rosenior (long-term deal until 2032, succeeding Enzo Maresca), view it as a financial boost.[1][3]

City's Defensive Boost

With Josko Gvardiol (leg fracture, season-ending?), Rúben Dias (hamstring), and John Stones sidelined, City needed immediate reinforcement to chase Arsenal, who lead by six points. Analyst Nick Wright praises Guehi's reliability: 32/34 starts this season, strong in duels, pacey, ball-playing, and a set-piece threat (5 goals, 4 assists last two campaigns). He's City's second January signing after £64m winger Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth.[1][2][4][5]

Palace face further uncertainty with striker Jean-Philippe Mateta eyeing a move. Pep Guardiola dodged questions but the deal reinvigorates City's title bid.[2][4][5]

(Word count: 298)